The HSE has released data on the incidence rates for Covid-19 in every country with Limerick still struggling to curb the spread of the disease.
Following the HSE cyberattack in May, the reporting of data has become more difficult but the latest information shows that the Treaty County still has the highest rate of incidence.
The overall incidence rate for the country sits at 112.8 cases per 100,000 people.
However, Limerick has a rate of over four times that at 456.6 per 100,000.
This prompted Dr Ronan Glynn to say: "The profile of COVID-19 has continued to improve nationally over the last week. While incidence in Limerick, in particular, remains very high (879 cases over the past fortnight) it is clear that there has been a concerted effort by all to arrest this pattern.
"However, over the coming days, it remains very important that people nationally, but particularly in Limerick, continue to adhere to core protective measures-meet outdoors, avoid crowds, keep distance from others & come forward for testing if you have any concerns"
Donegal, which health officials had previously been concerned about, has the second-highest incidence rate at 172.7 cases per 100,000.
Westmeath ( 141.9 ), Carlow ( 135.2 ) and Dublin ( 129.9 ) make up the top five, while Waterford ( 120.5 ) and Cavan (114.2 ) are also above the national average.
In terms of each county, here's the overall data;
Limerick (456.6)
Donegal (172.7)
Westmeath (141.9)
Carlow (135.2)
Dublin (129.9)
Waterford (120.5)
Cavan (114.2)
Wexford (110.2)
Louth (106.3)
Laois (101.5)
Kildare (93.9)
Cork (87.3)
Offaly (83.4)
Tipperary (80.2)
Wicklow (78.6)
Mayo (77.4)
Clare (76.6)
Meath (75.4)
Roscommon (74.4)
Galway (53.1)
Longford (41.6)
Kerry (37.2)
Kilkenny (27.2)
Leitrim (21.8)
Monaghan (19.5)
Sligo (7.6)
In total, 5,370 cases were reported in the two weeks up to Wednesday.
Of those:
- 3,731 were close contacts of a previous case
- 1,065 were community transmission
- 176 were travel-related
- 10 were patients infected in a healthcare setting
- 8 were staff infected in a healthcare setting
- While there were 380 that the HSE were not sure of the source.
Eight hospitals are now free of Covid-19 inpatients
St James's, Naas, Tullamore, Sligo, Galway, Kilkenny, Mercy, Waterford are all clear.
Furthermore, three Children's hospitals (Temple St, Crumlin & Tallaght) are also clear of Covid patients.
On Friday evening, the HSE confirmed cases of 319 new cases of Covid with 60 in the hospital. Of these patients, 23 are in ICU.
